耐性
nàixìng
In Chinese, patience can be expressed as 耐性 (nàixìng) or 忍耐 (rěnnài).
Meaning: quality of being patient (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 耐性 | nàixìng |
| 忍耐 | rěnnài |
The word refers to the quality of being patient. To say someone "has patience," you use the verb 有 (to have) with 耐性, such as in the phrase 有耐性的人 (a patient person). Conversely, to express a "lack of patience," you use the phrase 缺乏耐性 (quēfá nàixìng).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 耐性 is composed of 耐 (to endure or withstand) and 性 (nature or quality).
Which one should you use?
While both relate to patience, 耐性 refers to the abstract quality or capacity of being patient. In contrast, 忍耐 often refers to the active act of enduring or exercising restraint.
How do you pronounce it?
nàixìng
Did you know?
- The character 忍 in 忍耐 is composed of the radicals for 'knife' and 'heart'. It visually depicts the idea of a knife hovering over a heart, symbolizing the internal struggle of emotional endurance.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 忍 is not just about waiting, but is often viewed as a strategic virtue. To 'endure' is sometimes seen as a way to gain a tactical advantage over an opponent by remaining calm.
- The character 性 in 耐性 is the same character used to describe 'gender' or 'sex' in many other contexts.
Examples in context
- 每一次轉會談判都是對眼光與耐性的考驗，每一個比賽日都充滿未知的挑戰與壓力。Every transfer window is a test of judgment and patience, and every match brings its own surprises and tension.This sentence shows how 耐性 is used in the context of a test of judgment and patience.Tatoeba #13511538 by LeviHighway, translation #13511540 by LeviHighway
- 忍耐是有限度的。Patience has its limits.This sentence demonstrates the use of 忍耐 to describe the limits of endurance.Tatoeba #334913 by fucongcong, translation #11550370 by weihaiping
- 學英語需要耐性。Learning English requires patience.This sentence illustrates how 耐性 is required for learning a language.Tatoeba #884685 by Tajfun, translation #26231 by CK
- 请耐心等候Please wait patiently
- 别着急，慢慢来Don't worry, take it slowly
- 请耐心等候一下，您的问题我们会尽快解决 。Please wait patiently for a moment, we will solve your issue as soon as possible.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a local cafe, Zhiqiang and Jiayi are discussing a difficult project.
- 志强 Zhiqiang這項工作需要極大的耐性。Zhè xiàng gōngzuò xūyào jídà de nàixìng.This work requires great patience.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，但我會努力的。Shì de, dàn wǒ huì nǔlì de.Yes, but I will work hard.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你的耐性一定會得到回報。Nǐ de nàixìng yīdìng huì dédào huíbào.Your patience will surely be rewarded.
- 佳怡 Jiayi謝謝你的鼓勵，志强。Xièxiè nǐ de gǔlì, Zhìqiáng.Thank you for your encouragement, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “patience” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
